Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who handles things manually: Someone who operates or controls something with their hands, especially in a skillful way.
   • A person who controls or influences others cleverly or unfairly: Someone who skillfully and often deceptively manages or influences people or situations to their own advantage.
   • A mechanical device for handling objects: An agent or apparatus, often part of a machine, designed to move, control, or manipulate objects.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Person handling things):
  • The technician was a skilled manipulator of the delicate instruments.
  • The puppeteer is a master manipulator of the strings.
• Noun (Person influencing others):
  • He was a cunning manipulator who used flattery to get what he wanted.
  • The politician was accused of being a manipulator of public opinion.
• Noun (Mechanical device):
  • The robotic manipulator on the assembly line can weld parts with precision.
  • The surgeon used a remote-controlled manipulator for the minimally invasive procedure.

Advanced Usage

• "A skilled manipulator of facts": A person who cleverly and often misleadingly presents information to shape a narrative.
  • The lawyer was a skilled manipulator of facts, creating reasonable doubt in the jury's mind.
• "To act as a manipulator": To take on the role of controlling or influencing.
  • In the negotiation, she chose to act as a manipulator rather than a straightforward partner.

Variants and Related Words

• Manipulate (verb): To handle, control, or influence skillfully, often with cunning or unfair intent.
  • He knew how to manipulate the controls of the machine.
  • She tried to manipulate the outcome of the election.
• Manipulation (noun): The act or skill of manipulating.
  • The manipulation of the data led to false conclusions.
  • The safe manipulation of hazardous materials requires training.
• Manipulative (adjective): Characterized by a tendency to manipulate others.
  • He used manipulative tactics to gain their trust.

Synonyms

• Operator: A person who controls equipment or a person who manages an activity (can overlap with the mechanical and cunning personal senses).
• Controller: One who directs or regulates.
• Puppeteer: Literally one who manipulates puppets; figuratively, one who controls others.
• Machinator: A person who engages in scheming or plotting.

Related Phrases

• "A master manipulator": An expert at controlling or deceiving others.
  • The cult leader was a master manipulator of his followers' emotions.
• "Remote manipulator": A mechanical device operated from a distance.
  • The remote manipulator allowed scientists to handle radioactive materials safely.

Noun

1. a person who handles things manually
2. an agent that operates some apparatus or machine
   • the operator of the switchboard